With the preliminaries over, the stage is set for the sizzling final of the first ever Pride Idol contest.

Pride President, Joey Cain, said:

"If the preliminaries are anything to go by, the final round will be full of fireworks from judges, audience and contestants alike."

The preliminary rounds, held in venues around the Bay Area, generated an astonishing
seventy-one entries. The twelve finalists compete at San Francisco's hottest new venue, Club Mezzanine, 444 Jessie Street, on June 19 between 7pm and 10pm for the coveted first prize of a prime slot on the Main Stage at SF Pride and $1,000.

Contest co-producer, Lance Brittain, said:

"We have seen some amazing talent come forward at the grassroots and I thank all those who have participated for their support, patience and generosity."

The generosity of Redhook Ale Brewery, in underwriting the contest, means that 100% of the funds raised goes directly to this year's Pride Idol beneficiaries, the Breast Cancer Emergency Fund and the Positive Resource Center. So far, the amount raised is in excess of $2,000. The suggested door donation of $5 at the final should push that total closer to $5,000.

Brett Andrews, Executive Director of Positive Resource Center, said:

"Positive Resource Center, like many non-profits in this economy, is suffering right now. We're proud to be a partner in the Pride Idol contest and the funds will help us maintain the services upon which our community so desperately depends."

The finalists are an eclectic mixture of names known on the community scene and first-timers, namely; TJ & Sheba, Brett Helms, Kevin Sifflet, Trisha Marie Pulido, Clint Griess, Cameron Weston, Cesar Merced, Matt Alber, Tiffany Robinson, Sergio, Marianne Kooken, Douglas Graff and Michael Kaye . The contest rapidly became a crowd draw with the infamous 'clapometer' measuring audience approval and contributing to the final scores of the contestants. The instrument will be in full use at the final and everyone is encouraged to attend and cheer lustily for their favorites.

Commenting, contest co-producer Ren Davis-Phoenix, said:

"Pride Idol has brought communities closer together. Folks from different communities have gone to venues they might never visit otherwise, and that's a good thing. I mean, a lesbian won the preliminary at Daddy's Bar. It's amazing!"